CHAPTER III.

Manufacture of machinery in Ghent--Great works of the Phœnix--Exertions of the King of Holland to promote this branch of art--His success--Policy of England in permitting the export of tools--Effect of their prohibiting the export of machines upon the continental artists--Present state of the manufactures in Belgium--_The Phœnix_, its extent, arrangements and productions--_The canal of Sas de Gand_--_The Beguinage_--Tristam Shandy--The churches of Ghent--Religious animosity of the Roman Catholics--_The cathedral of St. Bavon_--Chef-d’œuvre of Van Eyck--Candelabra of Charles I--Carved pulpit--_Church of St. Michael_--Vandyck’s crucifixion--The brotherhood of St. Ivoy--Church of St. Sauveur--Singular picture in the church of St. Peter--Dinner at M. Grenier’s--Shooting with the bow--Roads in Belgium--Domestic habits of the Flemings--The Flemish language--_Count d’Hane_--Mansion of the Countess d’Hane de Steenhausen--Gallery of M. Schamps--_The University_ of Ghent--State of primary education in Belgium. 93